National Index Study

Purpose of the Evaluation

The goals of this study include: (1) To obtain data on 4-H youth outcomes related to Positive Youth Development (PYD) through 4-H programming in the following areas: Civic Engagement, College and Career Readiness, Healthy Living and Science; and (2) To assess a youth’s experience as described by the 4-H Thriving Model of PYD . This data will be used both to report impact to National 4-H Council, stakeholders, and to make data-driven programming decisions. This is an annual cross-sectional study of individually enrolled 4-H members that will for observation of trends in 4-H Nationally.

Procedures

Your child will complete the National 4-H Annual Index survey using the electronic survey link found below. It will take approximately 15-25 minutes for youth ages 13-18 to complete the survey.

Risks and/or Discomforts

There are no known risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Benefits

The information gained in this study will help improve future 4-H programs and provide 4-H with insight to the trainings/procedures necessary to improve future programs.

Confidentiality

No information obtained in this study will identify an individual child and reasonable steps will be taken to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your data. The data will be securely stored electronically and will only be seen by the research team and/or those authorized to view, access, or use the records during and after the study is complete. The information obtained in this study will be analyzed and reported as aggregated data.

Compensation

There will be no compensation for participating in this study.

Opportunity to Ask Questions

You may ask any questions concerning this study and have those questions answered before agreeing to participate in, or during, the study. If you have questions, you may reach the investigators at:

Celeste Janssen, Research Coordinator for Oregon 4-H
[email protected]

Freedom to Withdraw

You are free to decide not to participate in this study or to withdraw at any time without adversely affecting your relationship with the investigators, Oregon 4-H, or Oregon State University. Your decision will not result in any loss or benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

Parents and Guardians:

Our goal is to empower 4-H’ers to learn and grow, and ultimately reach their full potential.

To evaluate our success delivering 4-H programs, we are again participating in a national study to measure the impact of 4-H on youth. Your experience is important to us, and we invite your 4-H’er(s) over the age of 13 to respond.

You can voluntarily decide whether or not to allow your child to participate in this study. By allowing your child to complete and submit their survey response, you have given your permission for your child to participate. Your child can withdraw from the study at any time. Please review the Youth Assent information below with your child before beginning the survey.

We would like to invite you to take part in the National 4-H Annual Index study. We are asking you because you are participating in a 4-H program and are 13-18 years of age.

We would like to ask you some questions about your experience in the 4-H program in 2023. Your responses will be combined with other youth responses and will help us make sure future 4-H programs are really good! This survey will take you about 15-25 minutes to complete.

Your parents have been informed of your invitation to take part in this study. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. You can leave any questions you don’t want to answer blank and you can stop the survey any time you want. There are no right or wrong answers, we just want you to answer each question as honestly as you can.

Thanks for your help!